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| Renault's World Champion Formula
One driver Fernando Alonso of Spain celebrates on the podium after
winning the season-ending Chinese Grand Prix in Shanghai October 16,
2005. (Reuters) |
Spaniard Fernando Alonso won the Chinese Grand Prix on Sunday to hand
Renault their first Formula One constructor's title on top of the driver's
championship he took last month.
McLaren's Kimi Raikkonen finished +second, the Mercedes-powered team's
hopes draining away when
Colombian Juan Pablo Montoya hit a loose manhole cover and retired less than halfway
through the race.
Renault finished the longest season in the sport's history, 19 races,
with 191 points to McLaren's 182.
The victory was the seventh of a phenomenal season for the 24-year-old
Alonso, who became the sport's youngest champion in Brazil last month,
allowing him to equal Raikkonen's haul of victories.
"For the team it has been a fantastic season," said the Spaniard, who
soaked a beaming team boss Flavio Briatore with champagne on the
podium.
"Winning the constructors' was not crucial but quite important for the
team for their motivation for next year.
"I am a little bit frustrated that I only won seven races...I think the
car had the potential to win 10 or 11."
(Agencies)
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Updated: 2005-10-17 11:07
